The West Indies team went through their first practice session on Tuesday at the Providence Stadium ahead of their opening clash in the Q Mobile One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan.
There is not much time left before the first ball bowls off at 9:30 on Friday, nevertheless, coach of the Regional side, Stuart Law is optimistic of his team’s chances in the three match series, stating that they will have to put their thinking caps on and play smart instead of applying brute force.
“Form is one thing but determination and the way these boys go about their cricket, we understand it’s not going to be easy, Pakistan is a quality unit. So we have to try hard, put on our thinking caps, play smart rather than use brute force. The condition here might not suit the brute force style of play but once we get a look at the centre wicket we could then go about accordingly working out strategies…”
However, it is not going to be as easy for the lads from the Caribbean, who have been facing difficult times in all formats against their well-oiled opponents.
Law also said the touring side is a quality unit and he expects them to be competitive but since it is not a vast difference between their T20 and ODI squads, once the West Indies bowlers made inroads then it could be perilous for the Pakistanis.
The last time these two teams met in an ODI series it was in the UAE where West Indies suffered a whitewash, losing 3-0. It could be redemption time for the hosts.
And though it is a different format, the Caribbean side will have to improve on their performance in the T20 series that ended 1-3 on Sunday in Trinidad, if they are to prove their work and enjoy revenge against the visiting Pakistanis.
After Friday’s match, the teams will play on Sunday April 9 and Tuesday April 11 also at the National Stadium at Providence.
Tickets are on sale daily at the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Regent Road Bourda office at the following prices; G$4,000 for Red and Green Stand, G$3,000 for Orange Stand and G$2,000 for the Mound. Parking tickets are also on sale at G$1,000 per day.
